I'm new in town

Moving to a new city can be difficult. It is a process of acclimating, of getting used to a new routine: new buildings, new sights and sounds, new routes. It is unknown but pleasant, like shaking hands with a smiling stranger.

In April, my wife and I decided to move to Minneapolis to be closer to her clinical rotation. Though it was not a dramatic move from Rochester, it still meant leaving the city where I was born and raised, and the place I had lived for over 30 years. It meant leaving home.
It did not take long for me to find a copy of the Messenger, and soon after, I knew I wanted to share a few thoughts on moving to the Longfellow neighborhood. What follows is a short reflection on a few things I did not expect when moving here; the things that made it feel like the right move right away, like we had arrived exactly where we were supposed to be.

Outdoors everywhere
Growing up in a city, the idea of having areas to spend time in nature within an urban setting is nothing new. However, I had no idea just how much outdoor activity could be found right outside our door.

Many people think of Minneapolis and picture a concrete jumble of buildings, paved walkways meandering through crowded streets, interstates filled to the brim with cars, or light rail lines intersecting old factories. However, with a couple months of exploration under our belts, my wife and I know that this city is so much more than that.

From Minnehaha Falls, to Lakes Hiawatha and Nokomis, to the Winchell Trail, there are ample opportunities for beautiful walks and hikes right within the neighborhood. Just a short drive away gets us to Fort Snelling State Park, nearby lakes, regional parks, and (certainly not to be forgotten) the mighty Mississippi.

We have only just started our adventure of finding outdoor things to do, from kayaking and hiking to sunset walks along quiet beaches. The adventurous outdoor spirit can find plenty here to satisfy its itch.

Dog friendly
I had heard talk about the dog-friendliness of Minneapolis. However, I was not expecting it to be even half as inviting for dogs as it is.

From water dishes stationed throughout the neighborhood, to treat dispensers in people’s front yards, it feels as though our canine companions are just as welcome here as we are. Many folks who are outside walking or working in their yards will make a special point to say hello to our dogs.

Not only is this a place where dogs are welcome, but it is easy to tell that the people here are comfortable and well-versed in handling them. Every time, without fail, folks will politely ask if they can pet our dogs before assuming they have the green light. The manners are immaculate.

The people
Last, but certainly not least, are the people of Longfellow.

Many times, we have been struck by the kindness, generosity, and humility of the people in this neighborhood. Since moving here, we have walked more than 50 miles just within Longfellow, and again and again, we have been impressed by the neighbors we pass along the way. From smiles, nods, and waves, to people stopping to ask about our dogs or simply make small talk, the people here are some of the best we have been fortunate enough to live near.
This is a neighborhood that, not long ago, had to face dark and difficult days and defend its sense of community. You can see the persistence here. You can see the drive to protect one another and stand up for what is right.

That is why this place already feels like home. It has only been a couple of months, but perhaps not surprisingly to the folks who have been here a while, Longfellow has made us feel as if we belong.